Marjorie "Marje" May Bye

Marjorie “Marje” Bye, 95 of Devils Lake, ND passed away on Sunday, February 6, 2022, at Eventide Heartland Care Center, Devils Lake.

Funeral Services for Marje will be held on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at 11:00 am at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake with Pastor James Borlaug officiating.  Burial will be in the Devils Lake Cemetery.  There will be a gathering of family and friends one hour prior to the funeral service.  Following the service, a meal will be served, in her honor, at the Elks Lodge in Devils Lake.

Marjorie May, daughter of Arthur and Ethel (Pethick) Haugen was born in Cando, ND on August 21, 1926, the 2^nd of 8 siblings.  She grew up on the family farm at rural Maza, ND and attended grade school at a country school, then graduated from Cando High School in 1943 at the young age of 16.  She continued her education at the Chillicothe Business College in Chillicothe, Missouri, earning a diploma in the spring of 1945. 

Marje began her career as secretary to the Superintendent of North Dakota School for the Deaf (NDSD) for two years.  Being the adventurous type, she moved to North Platte, NE and worked as a secretary at a law firm.  She returned to ND and was employed at Royal Jewelers, Inc. and Ford Motor Corporation, both in Fargo, ND.

In January of 1950, she returned to NDSD as a secretary-treasurer.  She continued to serve as the fiscal officer of the school until her retirement.  Her job title changed several times over the years, reflecting additional administrative responsibilities.  Marje belonged to an exclusive group, one of three employees in the history of ND to serve the state for 50 years.  Marje started her job with only a pen and a stenographer’s notebook and ended it with a computer and fax machine.

Marje was such a strong advocate of learning.  She took many continuing education courses throughout her life.  Early in her career she was honored as the second resident of North Dakota to attain the Certified Professional Secretary rating from the National Institute for Certifying Secretaries.  To obtain this credential, she was required to pass a grueling six-part examination administered over two days.   

Marje had a history of dedication and expertise in her field.  She received many tributes for her contributions to NDSD and the deaf community.  She was also an effective advocate for fellow state employees, keeping abreast of and proposing legislation benefitting them and the school.

Marjorie was united in marriage to Duane Bye on February 10, 1967 at the Hamline Methodist Church in St. Paul, MN.  They made their home in the Lake Region through the years.  In addition to her career, she worked alongside Duane in his farming operations and several business endeavors.  Duane died on February 8, 2016.

She and Duane were avid travelers visiting many states.  They enjoyed horse racing and made many trips to Winnipeg, Canada to watch their horses race.  She was an active member of First United Methodist Church and also enjoyed membership in the Churchs Ferry Order of the Eastern Star and served as secretary of Friends of Sully’s Hill for many years.  She was also part of many professional organizations.

Marje was the matriarch of the family and was a caregiver to many.  She and Duane were involved in the lives of their nieces and nephews but were especially devoted to niece Lesli and were instrumental in her care throughout the years.

Marje frequently expressed how blessed she felt to have such a wonderful family, the privilege of working with so many special people in the best school, to have lived in the best community, in the best state, of the best country in the world.

Marje’s loving family include her siblings Glenn (Shirley) Haugen, Valley City, ND, Janice Bottenhagen, Billings, MT, Don (DeEtt) Haugen, York, ND, Jeanette Olson, Devils Lake, and Karen Pretzer, Minot, ND; sisters-in-law Marlys Haugen, Fargo, ND, and Gladys Brand also of Minot; 21 nieces and nephews on the Haugen side and many other beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Duane, brothers William (Lena) Haugen and Robert (O’Detta) Haugen.

Casket Bearers will be Keith Warner, nephews Robert R. Haugen, Randy Haugen, Kraig Haugen,  and great-nephews  Zane Follman and Zyler Follman.  Music will be provided by Nancy Silliman, soloist and Jean Aardahl, pianist.